This is a Beginner hike – that means no steep climbs, no loose soil or slippery rocks on trails, limited distance, and limited elevation gain. If you regularly do our faster/longer/higher Intermediate hikes, you might want to consider leaving room for newcomers to the group.
Rain is forecast for Thursday; 80% chance before 10 a.m. If it’s raining at my (nearby) home, or at the trailhead, the hike will be cancelled.
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From the National Park website:
Two threads of local history intertwine to establish the identity of Rancho Sierra Vista/ Satwiwa. Ranch structures and introduced grasses represent over a century of ranching, while native plants reflect an environment that Chumash Indians lived in for thousands of years.
The gentle slopes yield trails that picnickers, hikers, bikers, and equestrians enjoy during every season. Big Sycamore Canyon Trail descends from Satwiwa to the Pacific Ocean along a historic Chumash trade route.
The Satwiwa Loop Trail is designated for hikers only, and meanders through an area considered sacred by the Chumash. Keep an eye out for deer and coyote in the coastal sage scrub, hawks and falcons soaring overhead, and sweeping views of Boney Mountain and Sycamore Canyon. Follow all trail guidelines by only biking or horseback riding on designated trails.
The May 2013 Springs Fire burned much of Point Mugu State Park and portions of Rancho Sierra Vista/Satwiwa. Whether recreating on foot, bike or horseback, be on the lookout for signs of plants, soil, and animals recovering from the effects of this wildfire.
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We will park at the paved main lot for Rancho Sierra Vista. Exit 101 at Lynn Road, drive southwest 5.5 miles and turn left under the stone and timber archway. Drive in all the way, past two smaller lots, to the lot nearest the vault toilets and EV chargers. Google Maps does not provide accurate directions.
The hike will be a series of low ups & downs. The most significant climb will be mid-hike, followed by more gentle changes.
Please review the revised guidelines to participate in our hikes. We are requiring proof of vaccination to join a hike.
Restrictions apply for your safety and ours:
- Proof of vaccination required
- Don’t show up unless you’re on the “Attending” list
- No “Plus Ones” on this hike
- No dogs on this or any other Weekday Trailblazers hikes
- All participants must be 18 or older, or accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
DISCLAIMER / RELEASE OF LIABILITY
The hike host is a volunteer and not responsible for the group. Safety should be a priority for everyone in the group. Please treat this meet-up as hiking with a group of friends. If you become fatigued and unable to continue the hike, it is expected you will advise the hike host of this and return to our starting point on your own. If you are able to proceed, it is expected that you will maintain line of sight with other members of the group at all times and help to promote the group’s safety and fitness goals.
Outdoor sports and other events we plan can be inherently dangerous and accidents may happen. By participating in any posted event, you are taking responsibility for your own safety and well-being. The Weekday Trailblazers Meetup Group and its organizers are not trained leaders and we do not confirm the qualifications of any of its members to lead or participate in trips. All participants take full responsibility for their own actions.
If you choose to sign up for this or any Weekday Trailblazers Meetup event, you are releasing the Weekday Trailblazers Meetup Group, its organizers, and sponsors from all liability in case of possible injuries. Your personal safety depends on your own judgment and experience. You agree that you can navigate back to your transportation by yourself, and agree to do so if you fall behind and lose track of the main body of hikers.
